Yes, beekeeping is legal in India, but compliance with agricultural and environmental laws is mandatory. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state agriculture departments regulate hive registration, pesticide exposure risks, and disease control under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) guidelines. Urban beekeeping faces additional municipal restrictions, while tribal regions may require forest department approvals for wild hive collection.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in India
- Hive Registration & Disease Control: Beekeepers must register hives with state agricultural departments under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) to monitor diseases like Varroa destructor and American foulbrood, with mandatory treatment protocols enforced by 2026.
- Pesticide Exposure Compliance: Under the Insecticides Act, 1968, beekeepers can file complaints against pesticide misuse in agricultural zones, while farmers must adhere to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines to mitigate colony collapse risks.
- Urban & Forest Zone Restrictions: Municipal corporations (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai) require permits for rooftop beekeeping under local Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, while forest-dwelling communities must obtain Forest Rights Act, 2006 clearances for wild hive harvesting.
Local Enforcement Variations: Karnataka’s Karnataka Apiary Act, 1957 mandates hive inspections, while Kerala’s Kerala Agricultural Pests and Diseases Act imposes stricter quarantine measures. Non-compliance risks fines up to ₹50,000 or hive destruction under Environment Protection Act, 1986 provisions.